Brendan Cole: why did he leave Strictly Come Dancing?

Brendan Cole has won over judges and viewers alike during his time on Dancing on Ice, and his bond with his skating partner Vanessa Bauer is clear to see.The two are so close that Brendan even said he didn't want to "disrespect" his partner on the show by performing with another woman after Vanessa tested positive for COVID-19, skating alongside Brendyn Hatfield instead.MORE: Brendan Cole melts hearts with adorable family moment as he trains for Dancing on IceOff the ice, the former Strictly dancer has an enviable romantic partnership too – with his beloved wife, Zoe Hobbs.But how much do you know about this sweet couple, how long they've been together, and their family life?Read on to find out more…WATCH: Brendan Cole practices with his daughter in heartwarming clipNew Zealand-born dancer Brendan, 45, and model Zoe, 37, have been together for 14 years. They met in 2008 at the birthday party of a mutual friend, sports car driver Rick Parfitt Jnr and began dating soon after.READ: Brendan Cole: why did he leave Strictly Come Dancing?SEE: Strictly Come Dancing professionals' romantic wedding and engagement photosTwo years later, they tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony.

Dancing on Ice finalist had Brendan Cole lost his balance while he was on the ice in an interview and almost fell just days before the grand finale. The former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer appeared on Lorraine alongside his fellow contestants Kimberley Wyatt and Regan Cascoigne to chat with Ria Hebden about the final. As the trio shared their excitement about taking to the ice for the final time on Sunday, Brendan lost his balance and slipped slightly putting his arms out to steady himself with a panicked look on his face.The near-miss left his fellow contestants worried, but he found the funny side in it and dropped to his knees in a dramatic way afraid of hurting himself.

He was the original bad boy of the Strictly ballroom, gaining a reputation for talking back when he didn’t agree with the judges and occasionally strained relationships with celebrity dance partners. Now Brendan Cole - who won the first series of Strictly with newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky back in 2004 - could be about to taste victory again, 18 years later, as he takes part in Sunday’s Dancing On Ice final. And though many people assumed that Brendan has a competitive streak that would give him an edge, he says that is really not the case.

Daytime TV icon Lorraine Kelly has opened up about being told by Strictly Come Dancing pro Anton Du Beke that she shouldn't bother taking part in the show as moves 'like a tree'. Discussing the idea of appearing on the smash-hit BBC show with her guests today - comedian Paul Merton and his actress wife Suki Webster - the Scottish presenter, 62, revealed that the dancing star suggested jumping and jiving may not quite be her forte. "Well, I would be so rubbish," she admitted when speaking about singing up for the BBC show.

Dancing On Ice tensions were at an all time high on Sunday 13 March evening as the five remaining couples came head to head in the semi-finals.The jam-packed ITV show started off on a rocky note as Phillip Schofield was left presenting the show on his own after his co-host Holly Willoughby pulled out hours before as she tested positive with Covid-19. Luckily, he pulled out of the bag and went on without a hitch, while Dancing On Ice's Associate Creative Director Dan Whiston performed a stunning routine in the opening number.The popular programme had everything from Brendan Cole's unfortunate fall on the ice during his solo routine to a double elimination, which saw Connor Ball and Kye Whyte leaving the rink with their professional partners. And the emotional revelations before each couple's routine left many in tears, including judge Oti Mabuse.

ITV competition sees the celebrity lineup take to the ice each week with jaw-dropping performances, and tonight (Sunday, March 13) was no different. Among this year’s contestants are the likes of Love Island star Liberty Poole, Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens. After a lively group routine to Camila Cabello's 'Don't Go Yet' led by former pro Dan Whiston, Phillip Schofield – who was hosting alone after Holly Willoughby tested positive for Covid-19 earlier today – then welcomed the final five on to the ice for a solo skating challenge.

Dancing On Ice 's Brendan Cole took an unfortunate tumble during a solo routine on Sunday's live semi-finals. During the episode, the five remaining contestants had to take to the ice where they performed as a group before delivering their own solo parts.